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What our Members Say

We Foster Your Spiritual Journey

While some members of our church were raised as Unitarian Universalists, many have chosen Unitarian Church North as their spiritual home after years of religious exploration.

People have been drawn to the Unitarian Universalist faith, and to Unitarian Church North in particular, for a variety of reasons. Some abandoned the faith they were brought up in (or feel their church abandoned them) and sought a liberal, creedless denomination. Some were searching for a church that will accommodate an interfaith family.

The appeal of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism has been a powerful draw for many. Humanists and agnostics, who often feel they don't belong in a church, have enjoyed membership in our caring community. And some members were drawn by the natural landscape and the relaxed atmosphere of our barn

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we hope you will visit UCN to learn more about us.

Here is what some of our members have to say about their journey at UCN

"I have found in UCN, a church community that supports a moral lifestyle and explores a deeper meaning of faith while promoting diversity as a strength."

"I enjoy the company and support of others who are actively pursuing their unique spiritual paths that leads us all to new sources of truth, beauty, mystery, and wisdom."

"Growing up, it bothered me that I was ‘taught’ what to believe and told to memorize and recite those beliefs (Nicene Creed, etc.). It seemed such an inauthentic way to express a person’s deep spiritual beliefs. College exposure to world religions and philosophy reinforced those feelings. At UCN I found a place where I can question and explore freely in community with other seekers who are committed to ethical living.”"

"I was attracted to UCN by the natural beauty and the outstanding building, but I've stayed for the spiritual sustenance and growth, congregational democracy, and social justice."

"I joined UCN because I longed for a community of passionate people, that celebrated diversity of all types and worked to create a more just world for all. I have become much more engaged over the years because the people of UCN inspire me to greatness and Sunday morning feeds my soul, grounds me and energizes my spirit."

"One reason I chose to be a member of UCN is that Unitarian Universalists are open to new discoveries about 'what truth is.' As has been said,'"What I learn tomorrow may contradict what I have learned today."'

"I was unchurched for many years and got to a point in my life where my spiritual side was yearning for a place to call home. I found that the UU faith with the seven principles provided that. I choose UCN specifically because I felt so welcomed into the warm and truly caring community that UCN is. I have been a member for five years and continue to find UCN to be a place where I am spiritually nourished and embraced by a warm and compassionate community."

"My partner and I both come from very devout Catholic families and we broke away from our childhood faith in college. Not thinking we were in need of a spiritual home, we first attended UCN upon the recommendation of a friend. We stayed because of the incredible welcoming, supportive, and caring atmosphere created by members and friends committed to living their UU values. We now can't imagine life without the amazing community we have found."

"I was raised Catholic—and as a child, it was good for me. The church that I grew up in was an extension of my big, rowdy extended family, and I loved it.

As I grew older, I started to have doubts. Everyone seemed so certain that Catholicism was the “one true religion” and that others were not. I saw religious certainty used too often to exclude and judge others, and not nearly enough to help others. I just could not believe that God-- if there was a God—would want us to hurt each other for any reason.

I am not sure of much. I do not know for sure if there is a god. I do not know if there is an afterlife. In many ways, I don’t care. The only thing I AM sure of is that we should be good. Do good. Take care of each other and the world we live in now.

When I found Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Church North, I found a community that allows me to put my energy into the one thing that I’m sure of. And, religiously, I’m content to leave it at that.

What I love about UCN in particular is the people. For one thing, they really know how to live. You know those bumper stickers you used to see with sayings about groups of people? (Something like: “Teachers do it with class”?) I think we could have a bumper sticker that says “Unitarians sing all the verses”. I love the way we sing all the verses of all of our songs, no matter how many there are! To me, that’s a metaphor for the unabashed zest and joy with which so many UUs live.

After I was at UCN for 6 months or so, I told my husband that I had never experienced a harsh word or a cold shoulder here. He was very impressed. I don’t really think it’s realistic to expect people to be nice all of the time—life can be hard and everybody has bad days—but now it’s been almost 4 years and I STILL haven’t ever even overheard anyone being unkind. I admire the people of this church and want my children to know and to learn from them. I hope to grow old here and to give back what I can to the community."